Thousands at official opening

Over 8000 people joined in the official opening celebrations of the Peninsula Leisure Centre at Woy Woy on Saturday, October 29, according to marketing manager Ms Neta Simak.

They were the first of the 400,000 or more visitors expected at the Centre each year.

Crowds began gathering well before Gosford Mayor Cr Laurie Maher officially opened the $25 million complex, one of the biggest regional centres of its kind in Australia.

Cr Maher was joined by Mary Anne Nelmes from East Gosford and Gladys Marsh from Woy Woy in cutting the red ribbon.

In 1967, Mary Anne was chosen to present flowers to Sir Roden Cutler during the laying of the foundation stone for the original Woy Woy pool.

A year later, Gladys presented flowers to the then Prime Minister's wife, Bettina Gorton, at the opening of the pool.

Mary Anne and Gladys both received flowers at the official opening of the leisure centre.

"It was a wonderful idea to give flowers back to these two ladies who have witnessed the growing sport of swimming over many years on the Peninsula," Cr Maher said.

"Highlights of the day included a basketball clinic, netball, water polo and scuba diving demonstrations, a variety of health and fitness activities, and indoor soccer with the Mariners," Ms Simak said.

With Central Coast Radio broadcasting live from the event, the activities, all day stalls and entertainment culminated in a fireworks display at 7pm.

Telstra donated a signed Newcastle Knights jersey which was raffled to raise funds for the Woy Woy Swim Club.

The jersey was won by Woy Woy resident, Lee Gavenlock.

Press release, November 1 Neta Simak, Peninsula Leisure Centre